Lesson Note This lesson should be approached sensitively

Lesson Note: This lesson should be approached sensitively. Especially if allowing a class discussion.

Date: Thursday 9 th January Title: Notions of masculinity Why should men be constrained by antiquated stereotypes of masculinity? What does it even mean to 'Be a Real Man' anymore? Shouldn't we all be celebrating a wide range of definitions of manhood? Andy Dunn 1. List all the verbs in the quote. 2. List all the nouns in the quote. 3. List all the adjectives in the quote. STRETCH: How does the writer use language to convey their viewpoint?

What is masculinity and what does it mean to be ‘masculine’? Make sure to: • Produce at least four sentences • Use the connective ‘consequently’ • Provide an opinion Stretch: Make use of the term ‘socialisation’ in your explanation

18 th Century notions of masculinity A rake In a historical context, a rake (short for rakehell, analogous to " hellraiser ") was a man who was habituated to immoral conduct, particularly womanising. Often, a rake was also prodigal, wasting his (usually inherited) fortune on gambling, wine, women and song, and incurring lavish debts in the process. A famous example of a ‘rake’ would be Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. Can you think of any modern examples of ‘rakes’?

18 th Century notions of masculinity A fop Fop became a pejorative term for a foolish man excessively concerned with his appearance and clothes in 17 th-century England. A famous example of a ‘fop’ would be Prince George in Blackadder. Can you think of any modern examples of ‘fops’?

18 th Century notions of masculinity A gentleman is any man of good and courteous conduct. A famous example of a ‘gentleman’ would be Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility. Can you think of any modern examples of ‘gentlemen’?

10 Stereotypes About Men We Need To Break Right Now! • 1. Men Are Slobs. While not all of us are clean freaks, we aren’t slobs either. I mean maybe in my case it’s true … but that doesn’t mean everyone is. • 2. Men Always Cheat. Oh come on. People say this like men are the ONLY ones to cheat. Yes lot’s of guys mess up by doing this, but everyone does. Relationships are a tricky business. That doesn’t mean every man should be looked at with an eye of suspicion. • 3. Men Don’t Cry. “Man up” Lines many of us have heard as children when we lost or broke our favourite toy or for any other reason that one would cry about. Crying is a totally healthy release of emotion, and no man should be belittled for doing so. • 4. All Men Are Sleazy Flirts. Well I blame Hollywood. They enforce the idea that if someone harasses a girl enough times she’ll eventually fall for him. Because of you one of the most untrue stereotypes is enforced. • 5. Men Can’t Be The Victims. Completely false. Anyone can be the victim of abuse. Regardless of gender. Another absurd thing is that most people automatically disregard a case of when a man assaulted by a woman. • 6. Men Should Always Make The First Move. Who even came up with this. Men are expected to initiate everything in a relationship, right from asking the girl out. We’ve all experienced this assumption and I for one, am sick of it. • 7. Men Always Think About One Thing. Sure it crosses by our thoughts here and there, but to assume we’re just maniacs who can think of nothing else is kinda offensive. • 8. Men Can’t Be Sensitive. Refer to point #3 for some context. The stereotype that men have to be strong and aggressive, and do only physical tasks has slowly been ingrained in our minds since childhood. Be it the orthodox elders or the stupid TV shows. Men can be sensitive. We can be creative and artistic too. • 9. If We’re Friends With A Girl We Have Ulterior Motives. Why does everyone assume guys and girls can’t just be friends. They always think the guy has some ulterior motives in mind. We don’t, we can make friends too. Maybe this is why as kids we would pair up two teachers if we saw them together. I’m telling you, stereotypes are ingrained in us since we were wee little lads and lassies. • 10. Men Can’t Like/ Do “Feminine” Things. Because of a stupid stereotype like this, we’re joked at for wearing pink, or for listening to something other than rock. Things and activities shouldn’t have a gender wedge shoved down the middle. Some of the best dancers are guys, and some of the best F 1 racers are girls.

The writer believes male stereotypes are harmful and should be stopped immediately. To what extent do you agree? It is clear the writer believes male stereotypes are harmful, this can be seen when…. [quote] By using [word choice], the show suggests… Also, the use of [language feature] implies… Discuss your own views on the writer opinion.

List five qualities which you think evoke stereotypical ideas about modern masculinity. Be prepared to justify your decisions. To be stereotypically masculine in the modern era, men are expected to be… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.